Answers to all your questions in one place!


Athol Credit Union General Information

What are ACU’s hours?

Lobby and Drive-Up Hours

Mon – Wed:           8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday:                8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Friday:                      8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday:                9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.


 

Who is eligible to join Athol Credit Union?

Our membership proudly serves Worcester, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties. Joining ACU is simple! Click the button below and start enjoying the benefits today.


 

How do I book an appointment with Member Service?

Appointments with our Member Service Specialists and our Loan Specialists can be booked at our Athol Branch by calling (978) 249-3527 or schedule an appointment online.

 

What is the ACU Routing number?

The routing number for Athol Credit Union is 211380344.

 

Do you offer Notary Public Services?

Athol Credit Union has a notary public on staff at our Athol branch. These services are free of charge to our members. To make an appointment, please call (978) 249-3527.

 

Do you sell Money Orders or Bank Checks?

We sell both Money Orders and Treasurer’s Checks to our members.  The fee is $3 each.

 

Does Athol Credit Union have a change counter?

Athol Credit Union does not have an automatic change counter.  All loose change needs to be rolled before bringing in.  We are happy to provide you with change rolls if needed.  Also note, that rolled change cannot be put into our Drive-up tubes.  Rolled change will need to be brought into our lobby.

 

Is there an after-hours dropbox?

No, there is not.

 

What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?

The primary difference between banks and credit unions is that banks are run for the purpose of generating profits, while credit unions are community-based and run as non-profit organizations. They don’t answer to outside shareholders and instead give earnings back to their members through benefits like higher returns on savings, lower loan rates, added services, and fewer fees.  Credit unions also support their local communities through work such as offering financial education, serving underserved populations, volunteering, and contributing to community initiatives.


Account Questions

How do I change my address?

Need to update your address, email, or phone number with us?  Click here to complete a change of address form.

You can also call us at (978) 249-3527, and we will mail you a form to sign, or stop by our Branch at 513 Main Street to complete the form.


 

What should I do if I notice fraud in my account?

Please call us immediately if you notice fraud in your account. After hours,(86 you can close your debit card by calling (866) 305-9888.

 

What is a Rep Payee Account, and how do I open one?

Recipients of Social Security or Supplement Security Income (SSI) who are unable to handle their own finances may have a representative payee named for them by the Social Security Administrations to receive and manage the benefit payment. The representative payee is obligated to use the funds for the recipient’s care and well-being.

To open the account, the Rep. Payee must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration naming them as the Rep. Payee and have a W9 signed in order to use the recipient’s SSN or TIN. The Rep. Payee can sign this form.  Please call to schedule an appointment at (978) 249-3527.

 

How do I add a beneficiary to my account(s)?

To add a beneficiary to an account, you will need to come in and sign the “Beneficiary Designation” form.  We will need the name, address, relationship, social security number, and date of birth of each beneficiary.

 

What is SWEEPS?

Worried about your Checking Account running low on funds? Our Sweeps program automatically transfers funds from your savings account into your checking account in the case of an overdraft for a small fee.

 

How do I open a Youth Account? Are there any restrictions?

Youth Savings Accounts are available for members under 18. Youth Checking Accounts are available for members ages 14-18. A parent or guardian must be a joint owner of the account. Debit cards, checks, and Online Banking are available.

Please note: the minor must be 13-years old to have a debit card. To open the account, we will need a valid ID for the parent or guardian and a birth certificate, Social Security card, and student ID or driver’s license for the minor.  Schedule an appointment to open your account today!

 

How do I change my name?

To make a name change, you will need to come to our branch so we can make copies of your new permanent ID reflecting the name change and the legal decree of that name change (Marriage Certificate, Name Change). Schedule your appointment today!

 

When will funds from my check be available?

Local/Personal Checks deposited at the branch (lobby or drive-through)

  • The first $225.00 of your deposits will be available on the first Business Day after the day of deposit. The remainder will be available the second business day, up to $5,525. Check amounts over $5,525 require an extended hold. Extended holds are for 5 business days. The hold is removed after the 5th business day (ON the 6th business day).

  • Funds you deposit by check may be delayed for a longer period under the following circumstances:

  1. If we believe a check you deposit will not be paid

  2. If you deposit checks totaling more than $5,525 on any one day

  3. If you redeposit a check that has been returned unpaid

  4. If you have overdrawn your account repeatedly in the last six months

  5. If an emergency condition arises that would not enable us to make the funds available to you, such as the failure of computer or communications equipment.

Payroll Checks

  • Payroll checks do not have a hold for funds up to $1,500. Standard holds apply for amounts over $1,500. A check is considered to be payroll only if it clearly states “payroll” or “week-ending” on the check. If a payroll check is deposited via the ATM or Mobile App, holds may still apply due to the processing/approval of checks (up to 2 business days).

Checks deposited in the ATM or via the Mobile App

  • Checks deposited into the ATM or via the App take up to 2 business days for the funds to be received (including Payroll and Government checks).

Government & State Checks

  • Government checks do not have a hold on funds up to $1,500. Standard holds apply for additional amounts. If the check is made payable to Mr. and Mrs. Member, both parties must sign and deposit it into a joint account. If a government check is deposited via the ATM or Mobile App, holds may still apply due to the processing/approval of checks (up to 2 business days).

Checks deposited into new accounts

  • All new accounts have a 10-day hold on ALL checks for the first 30 days.

 

What do I need to open a Trust Account?

To open a Trust Account, you need to bring in a “Trust Agreement” from an attorney.  This paperwork will state the name of the trust and who the trustees are.

 

What do I need to open an Estate Account?

The executor must provide these items to open an Estate Account:

  • Original Executor / Personal Representative paperwork with stamp/seal

  • Original Will (if applicable, but only if it states account/bank information)

  • Original Death Certificate

  • Updated ID, occupation, etc.

Please schedule an appointment to open an Estate Account.

 

How do I close an account without coming into the branch?

You can close an account by writing us a letter stating your name, address, contact information, account number, and why you want to close the account, and your signature, if the amount is UNDER $1,000.  If the amount is OVER $1,000, the letter will need to be notarized before sending.

 

Can I cash my Savings Bonds at Athol Credit Union?

We do cash Savings Bonds at Athol Credit Union for our members by appointment. 


Online & Mobile Banking

I am locked out of my Online Banking and/or Mobile Banking. How do I get back in?

Online and/or Mobile Banking will lock your account for security after 3 unsuccessful tries.  Please call (978) 249-3527 during business hours, and Member Service will be happy to assist with clearing the issue or resetting your password.

 

Why can’t I transfer funds from my Passbook Savings to another account in my Online Banking?

With a traditional Passbook, withdrawals can only be made in person, therefore online transfers are not available. If you would like to make online transfers, we will be happy to convert your Passbook Savings to Statement Savings. You will retain the same account number. You will need to sign a form to complete the process. Please call us at (978) 249-3527, and we will be happy to help you with this.

 

How do I download the Athol Credit Union Mobile App?

You can download the Mobile App from the Apple or Google Play Store. If you have any questions, please feel free to call (978) 249-3527.


Debit Cards

Daily Limits on Your Debit Card

Debit card = $2,000 for point of sale transactions/day

ATM withdrawals = $500/day

Request an increase of your debit card limit from our website or give us a call at (978) 249-3527.

 

I have lost my debit card. How do I get a new one?

During non-business hours
Please call (866) 305-9888 and select option #6, and your card will be shut down and recorded as lost. 

During business hours
Please call us at (978) 249-3527 to order your new card, There is a $20 fee for a lost debit card. The same fee will apply if your card is retained at an ATM.

If you use online banking with us and have access to CardGuard, go ahead and turn your debit card off to prevent any fraudulent charges, then reach out to ACU during business hours to order a new card.

Your new card will take 7-10 business days to arrive and will come in a plain, white business-sized envelope with no return address.


General Information

I have been receiving TruStage mailings from ACU. What is this?

As an ACU member, you have access to insurance products with great low rates from TruStage Insurance Agency. More than 18 million credit union members across the country rely on TruStage for their products, services, expertise, and experience. Much like ACU, TruStage takes a members-first philosophy to customer service and is happy to provide insurance services that help you protect what matters most. Call the number in your TruStage mailing for more information.

 

Where can I find the fee schedule?

 

I want to make a wire transfer to ACU. What information do I need?

When wiring money to your ACU account, please provide the following information to the financial institution initiating the wire transfer.

  • Routing Number: 211391773

  • Receiving Financial Institution (FI): Eastern Federal Credit Union (EasCorp)

  • Receiving Account Number: 211380344

  • Receiver: Athol Credit Union, 513 Main St., Athol, MA, 01331

  • For Further Credit: Your ACU account information

 

I recently paid off my auto loan. When will I receive my title?

Titles are mailed out within 2 to 3 weeks after receipt of payment.

 

How do I check my credit report?

You can check your credit report by signing up for our free service with Credit Sense. Credit Sense provides free credit monitoring through our online banking system. When you log in to your Online Banking Account, Credit Sense provides your credit score, information on what influences that score, and provides personalized tips on ways you can improve your credit.

 

Check Cashing Policy

You will be required to show ID in order to cash a check. If you are a non-member, you may be asked for additional identifying information, including a phone number and Social Security number.  This information is necessary to maintain a record in our computer system for compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (AML and OFAC). Verification of all checks occurs before cashing to ensure funds availability and proper endorsement by the account holder.  If the signature on a check cannot be verified or if the item has other features (different check stock, out-of-sequence numbering, infrequent account use, etc.), the account owner may need to be contacted for verification before cashing the item.  Non-members are encouraged to open an account at Athol Credit Union or to deposit check items at their institution if they wish to avoid our check cashing policies.

 

Valid ID

A valid ID is any unexpired photographic identification card (not including a temporary paper ID) issued by a U.S. state or the Federal Government that includes your: full name, date of birth, and current address. The ID must also have a unique identification number, issue, and expiration dates.